This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is the ultimate way to greet the morning, especially when you’re craving something warm, cozy, and nourishing. Each bite is filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in creamy oats, all baked to golden perfection and lightly sweetened with maple syrup or honey. Whether you’re serving a family brunch or just want an easy make-ahead breakfast, this recipe checks every box—it’s hearty, naturally sweetened, and so simple to whip up. Once you try it, the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake will be your new go-to favorite for mornings that need a little extra comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is straightforward and satisfying—these are all kitchen staples, but each one brings something special to the table. From the wholesome oats to the sweet apples and warming spices, every ingredient plays a delicious part in this breakfast bake’s irresistible flavor and texture.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The heart of the dish, these provide a comforting, chewy bite and soak up the flavors beautifully.
- Baking powder: Gives the bake a subtle lift so it’s not too dense.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for those cozy, warm notes that make this feel like autumn all year round.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a gentle, aromatic hint that enhances the apple flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens all the flavors.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Creates a creamy base—choose whichever you love or have on hand.
- Maple syrup or honey: Naturally sweetens the bake and brings lovely depth—use your favorite.
- Egg: Binds everything together for that perfect sliceable texture.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and a subtle buttery flavor—feel free to substitute coconut oil if you prefer.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash rounds out and enhances the sweetness of the bake.
- Apples (diced): Tender, juicy bites of apple add sweetness and a bit of tartness—choose crunchy varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best results.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a satisfying crunch and a nutty finish, sprinkle these in or leave them out for a nut-free version.
How to Make Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F and generously grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. This helps ensure the final bake releases perfectly and gets that lovely golden color along the edges. The oven should be fully preheated, so your Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake cooks evenly from the very start.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these first allows the spices and leavening to distribute fully, making every bite flavorful and light.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup (or honey), egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This is where the magic starts—combining the wet ingredients guarantees everything comes together smoothly when you unite the two mixtures.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. At this point, fold in your diced apples and optional nuts. The apples should be evenly distributed so every slice gets sweet, juicy bites.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is set and lightly golden, and your kitchen smells absolutely divine. Let the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake cool for about 5 minutes before diving in—it’ll be much easier to slice and serve.
How to Serve Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake
Garnishes
Top your warm Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake with a drizzle of extra maple syrup for a sweet finish, or add a dollop of creamy yogurt for contrast. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a handful of toasted nuts never hurts, either—it makes each serving feel extra special and a little decadent.
Side Dishes
This breakfast bake shines alongside simple, fresh sides. Try serving it with a fruit salad for extra brightness, a few slices of sharp cheddar for a savory twist, or a chilled glass of orange juice or hot coffee to round out your morning spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the bake warm with a scoop of vanilla yogurt in small mason jars for a brunch buffet, or slice it into bars and tuck them into lunchboxes for a wholesome mid-morning snack. This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is also fantastic layered in a parfait with yogurt and berries for a pretty, portable breakfast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is ideal for meal prep! Cool any leftovers completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. It keeps perfectly in the refrigerator for up to five days, so you can have a nourishing breakfast ready all week.
Freezing
If you want to make breakfast even easier, freeze individual portions of your bake. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or place in freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep well for up to three months—just pop out a portion whenever you need a quick breakfast.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 30-60 seconds until warmed through, or place portions in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Add a splash of milk if you like it extra creamy, and enjoy it as if it were freshly baked!
FAQs
Can I use instant oats or steel-cut oats instead of old-fashioned?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for that perfect chewy texture! Instant oats can get mushy and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough in this bake, so stick with rolled oats for the classic feel of Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake.
What kind of apples work best?
The best apples for this recipe are firm, crisp varieties such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. They hold their shape during baking and contribute a sweet-tart flavor that really pops.
How can I make it vegan?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat), substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2 1/2 tablespoons water), and swap butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. Drizzle with maple syrup rather than honey for a completely vegan version of Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake.
Is this bake gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats, your Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake will be naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your oats are labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in dried cranberries, raisins, or even a few chocolate chips for a fun twist. Chopped pears or berries also work beautifully—this recipe is very flexible, so make it your own.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a breakfast that’s equal parts comforting, healthy, and easy, look no further—the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake will quickly earn a spot in your morning routine. Give it a try and watch it brighten your days, one cozy, apple-studded square at a time!
Print
Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a wholesome and delicious way to start your day. Loaded with oats, fresh apples, and warm spices, it’s a perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Additional:
- 2 medium apples, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, maple syrup, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Add apples and nuts: Fold in diced apples and nuts, if using.
- Bake: Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes until set and golden.
- Cool and serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with extra maple syrup or yogurt.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
